Upper House MP Sam Farraway has announced $126,000 from Round Two of the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund for one of Australia’s first Cellular culture production facilities.
Mr Farraway said the co-funding with Agritechnology Pty Ltd was part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to creating jobs for the regions by making investments in technology.
“This funding will go towards the design and set up of a cell culture bioreactor, upgrading of lab equipment and cell storage capabilities and staff re-training.
“With regional businesses struggling to find and retain staff over the past few years, six initial jobs will be created for locals with a keen interest in farming, engineering and science.
“Farmers in the Region will also benefit from this investment with the facility now having the capacity to provide services including product development and scientific manufacturing of food ingredients.
“This funding is a game changer for food manufacturers who can now deliver higher calibre livestock and crops, giving local famers an advantage on competitors both domestically and internationally.
“As Australia’s largest regional economy, these investments will provide stable long-term jobs to ensure NSW’s primary production industry is at the top of its game, safeguarding the Nation’s food bowl.
“With jobs on the rise across the board, our Government is getting on with the job of securing a brighter future for the people of regional NSW.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s $140 million Regional Job Creation Fund is on track to create over 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW by helping businesses expand production and provide incentives to move operations to the bush.
“The Regional Job Creation Fund continues to attract new investment from businesses to enable economic recovery across agriculture, manufacturing and tourism industries and ensure they continue to thrive now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.
“This fund allows businesses to fast-track their growth plans, expand their operations and creates a solid base for job creation in regional NSW.
Under the Regional Job Creation Fund, eligible businesses can apply for grants to support the purchase of new equipment, expand facilities, create new iconic tourist experiences and visitor attractions or relocate businesses from out of state to regional NSW, which will lead to the creation of new jobs.
An additional $100 million for the Regional Job Creation Fund was included in the 2022/23 Budget.
For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RJCF.